However, those things tend to be expensive. So, if you’re on a budget, we’ve found an incredible deal on Amazon by way of PCWorld for an all-leather PC gaming chair for less than most run-of-the-mill leather office chairs from Ikea or what have you.

This Essentials PC gaming chair comes in a red-and-black color scheme, with other color options costing way more than this. Sure, this gaming chair doesn’t have all of the bells and whistles of more premium models, but for a little more than the average PC game, we’ll take it.

There is no timer on this deal, but regardless you’ll likely want to act quickly, accounting for what Amazon might have in stock. Enjoy your royal throne for all but a pittance.

]]>http://www.techradar.com/news/this-pc-gaming-chair-deal-will-cost-you-less-than-most-regular-office-chairsiMac 2018: what we want to seehttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/techradar/computing-news/~3/8mAuFiKOz_Y/imac-2018
http://www.techradar.com/news/imac-2018A new iMac in 2018 is likely, so here’s everything we’ve heard so far and what we’d like to see.Thu, 24 May 2018 13:35:59 +0000techradar.comWith the reports suggesting that a new MacBook Air and a 13-inch Retina MacBook are on the way in 2018, both cheaper than their predecessors, it wouldn’t surprise us to see an iMac 2018 follow on their heels.

The iMac could do with an upgrade – after it was refreshed with 7th-generation Intel Kaby Lake processors in mid 2017, Intel launched its 8th-generation Kaby Lake R and Coffee Lake CPUs. now the iMac is one generation behind when it comes to its processor – not to mention its dated aesthetic.

It’s easy to speculate what the iMac 2018 will look like. For one, there’s already plenty of evidence that three of the Macs Apple will release in 2018 will offload some functionality to Cupertino-crafted co-processors, rather than trusting everything to Intel. This is likely an early part of Apple’s rumored Kalamata initiative – which will reportedly see Apple replace all Intel processors with Cupertino-crafted silicon by 2020. This year will also mark the 20th anniversary of the iMac, and anyone who knows Apple knows it will celebrate this in a commercially available way.

Surprising no one, Apple is keeping quiet about the iMac 2018, so there’s no concrete information to go off of right now. However, we’ve collected all the rumors we could find to help us speculate on what the iMac 2018 will look like.

We’ll also set out what we want to see from the iMac 2018, based on our expert knowledge and current trends.

Cut to the chase

What is it? A new version of Apple’s all-in-one iMac

When is it out? Possibly June or August 2018

What will it cost? Likely starts at $1,099 (£1,049, AU$1,599)

iMac 2018 release date

We haven’t heard any concrete rumors about the release date of the iMac 2018, so until we do, we’re going to have to do a bit of guesswork.

The iMac 2017 update was revealed on June 5, 2017 at Apple’s WWDC (Worldwide Developers Conference) keynote, so there's a chance that Apple may use WWDC 2018 to announce an update.

If Apple is planning to do something special to mark the 20th anniversary of the iMac, then a release date in August could be possible – as it will be exactly 20 years since the launch of the original.

iMac 2018 price

Again, there’s not much to go on right now concerning what the price of a 2018 iMac might be. Hopefully, the price won’t stray too much from last year’s models, unless there is going to be some seriously large upgrades when it comes to components.

The base price of last year’s iMac is $1,099 (£1,049, AU$1,599), so we’d like to see a similar price with the iMac 2018. Of course, the iMac comes in various configurations (and prices) to suit your needs.

With the high-end iMac Pro starting at $4,999 (£4,899, AU$7,299), we can envision an iMac 2018 costing between $1,000 (£1,000, AU$1,500) and $2,500 (£2,000, AU$3,000).

iMac 2018: what we want to see

While we don’t know too much about what the iMac 2018 will be like, we’ve got plenty of ideas about what we’d like to see in a new version of the all-in-one. Read on for our suggestions that would make the iMac 2018 the best iMac ever.

Celebrate the 20th anniversary in style

For any gadget, 20 years in the business is a big deal, so we’d love to see Apple do something special to mark the anniversary for this year’s iMac.

Apple have released special versions of its hardware to mark milestones before, such as the Twentieth Anniversary Macintosh, which was released in 1997 to mark Apple’s 20th birthday.

With the iMac being so beloved, and its design so iconic, a special version of the iMac 2018 that paid tribute to its past could be a big hit with Apple fans and collectors.

A revamped design

While we love the look of the iMac, it’s sort of had the same design for the past 10 years, so 2018 could be a great year to tweak the look. That could mean a minor revision, such as slimming the body even further, or something more drastic.

Rumors of an iMac redesign have been swirling since a post on Reddit, apparently by a ‘Foxconn Insider’ who worked for the company that builds the devices for Apple, claimed there would be an update to the iMac and its peripherals.

Color-wise, the aluminum design of the iMac has been a staple since 2007, so we wouldn’t mind seeing another color option with the iMac 2018 – perhaps a Space Gray version, like the iMac Pro?

Take inspiration from the iMac Pro

The iMac Pro is a fantastic device, and while it is definitely a product aimed at a completely different audience than the iMac 2018 will be, there are a few things the standard iMac could incorporate from its more expensive sibling.

For example, removing the hard drive, and sticking to just solid state drives, would allow Apple to make the iMac 2018 even slimmer – while also giving the machine a decent speed boost. Even better for photographers and filmmakers is if Apple were to allow for UHS-II SD card support, thereby streamlining the post-production process.

The iMac Pro also features some clever cooling technology to help reduce the heat of the components, again allowing for a thinner design without noisy fans, and we’d love to see that in the iMac 2018 as well.

Oh, and did we mention we’d really like to see a Space Gray iMac?

Take inspiration from the MacBook and iPhone

Whilst we’re getting ideas from other Apple devices, there’s a few things we’d like to see from the iPhone and MacBook appear in the iMac 2018.

For example, how cool would it be if the Touch Bar from certain MacBooks turned up on a redesigned iMac keyboard? Those touch-sensitive buttons would be a fantastic addition.

Also, we’ve been very impressed by the Face ID technology of the iPhone X, so if Apple is thinking of upgrading the FaceTime camera on the iMac 2018, we’d love to see this included, so we could unlock our new iMac with just a glance.

Boosted specs

We’d love to see the iMac 2018 toting some of the very latest, and best, components when it’s revealed to the world.

While we’d love to see the iMac 2018, at least the entry-level version, running one of Intel’s latest quad core processors, if the iMac uses Intel’s Coffee Lake CPUs, we may even see an iMac 2018 with a six-core processor, which would give the all-in-one a real boost when it comes to multitasking.

Graphics-wise, the iMac could stick with AMD’s Vega graphics cards, and if Apple goes for one of the latest AMD card, or even one that has yet to be released, then the iMac 2018 could have some serious graphical chops.

Fingers crossed we see some – or all – of these predictions come to fruition later this year.

]]>http://www.techradar.com/news/imac-2018Surface Studio 2: what we want to seehttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/techradar/computing-news/~3/qs9TSBuvO1o/surface-studio-2
http://www.techradar.com/news/surface-studio-2From its release date and price to what we want to see, taking a closer look at a would-be Surface Studio 2.Thu, 24 May 2018 13:35:28 +0000techradar.comWhen Microsoft unveiled its first-ever desktop PC almost two years ago with the Windows 10 powered Surface Studio, it surprised us all. And now, two years later, we’re anxiously anticipating the sequel.

Just imagine – a Surface Studio with more powerful internals, a sharper display and the latest wireless tech – the Surface Studio 2 could be the perfect counter to Apple’s ever-evolving iMac lineup.

There isn’t much in the way of concrete info, though. In fact the only thing we know for certain is that Microsoft is in fact working on it. So, with that tiny sliver of information, let’s get into the possibilities of the Surface Studio 2.

Cut to the chase

What is it? The would-be second Surface Studio desktop

When is it out? Possibly between September and November 2018

What will it cost? Likely as much as – if not more than – the current model

Surface Studio 2 release date

The original Surface Studio launched in late 2016, so Microsoft’s iMac competitor is due for a refresh given the firm’s general cadence for Surface products that aren’t the Surface Pro.

However, we haven’t really heard anything about when the Surface Studio sequel is coming. All we have to go off of is a Windows Central report citing sources that said ‘Surface Studio 2 is a-go.’ As such, the outlet expects to see the device ‘in the fall.’

That amounts to anytime between September and November for a possible Surface Studio 2 release. Until more concrete leaks and rumors arrive, this is the expectation we’ll have to hold onto.

Surface Studio 2 price

Sadly, there’s even less known regarding the Surface Studio 2’s possible pricing, i.e. absolutely nothing. So, all we can expect of the potential device’s price so far is for it to hold close to that of the previous model.

Currently, the Surface Studio goes for anywhere between $2,999 (£2,999, AU$4,699) and $4,199 (£4,249, AU$6,599). For Microsoft to go any further above that price might be a shot in the foot, especially considering the pricing of its primary competition, the Apple iMac line.

Conversely, it’s tough to expect Microsoft to drive the price much lower than it is now, either, as the original Surface Studio saw an impressive demand at its current price point during launch. Stay tuned to this space as more rumors and leaks come to light.

What we want to see in Surface Studio 2

For as impressed as we were – and still are – by the Surface Studio, plenty has progressed in the nearly two years since its release, and there’s always room for improvement. Here’s what we hope to see come to fruition in the Surface Studio 2:

More powerful componentsThis is low-hanging fruit, to be sure, but we could’ve made this wish list when the Surface Studio first released, for it already was a bit lacking in hardware. This time around, a desktop-grade processor is all but essential, as are up-to-date graphics – a Coffee Lake Intel CPU and Nvidia Turing series mobile graphics would certainly do the trick. Plus, a proper SSD would be seen as a boon to the creatives its targeted for.

An even sharper screenThe current Surface Studio screen is absolutely gorgeous, sporting a massive 4,500 x 3,000-pixel resolution across the sRGB, DCI-P3 and Vivid color spaces. But, there’s no reason that it can’t go further. Seeing a 5K Surface Studio to directly rival the priciest iMac would be awfully exciting for content creators.

Thunderbolt 3 connectivityFor as versatile as the Thunderbolt 2 DisplayPort is on the current Surface Studio, it's time for Microsoft to collectively move onto Thunderbolt 3 via USB-C. Not only does the it offer more throughput for file transfers, it could also serve as a one plug hub for all displays and other peripherals you want to connect. If the Surface Studio 2 is to truly compete, it needs to respect this growing standard for its target audience’s sake.

All accessories includedFor what it’s charging for the current – and will charge for the future – Surface Studio, Microsoft should be including all of the essential accessories in the box. Yes, that includes the awesome Surface Dial alongside the Surface Mouse and Keyboard. It’s only fair for a several-grand purchase.

]]>http://www.techradar.com/news/surface-studio-2Mac mini 2018: what we want to seehttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/techradar/computing-news/~3/yJCD7YWszX0/mac-mini-2018-release-date-news-and-rumors
http://www.techradar.com/news/mac-mini-2018-release-date-news-and-rumorsEverything we know so far about the Mac mini 2018 release date, price and specifications, and what we want to see from the new device.Thu, 24 May 2018 13:35:14 +0000techradar.comIt’s been nearly four whole years since we’ve seen a new Mac Mini, and while some may think that Apple’s silence means the mini Mac is dead, we’re still clinging to the hope that a new Mac Mini will surface in 2018.

2017 came and went without a Mac Mini, and while this upset many Apple fans, Tim Cook himself has reiterated Apple’s support of the Mac Mini, so there’s still hope that it’ll show up this year.

And, while it’s difficult to get any concrete information about whether or not a Mac Mini 2018 will actually be a thing, there’s been an abnormally large wave of rumors surrounding it. This includes everything from the addition of a separate co-processor for ‘Hey Siri’ commands to the inclusion of iOS apps – but we wouldn’t hold our breath for that one.

Cut to the chase

What is it? A new version of Apple’s compact Mac

When is it out? As early as March 2018?

What will it cost? Hopefully around the price of previous models

Mac mini 2018 release date

As with other upcoming Apple products, we haven’t got a solid release date for the Mac mini 2018. Rumors have been thin on the ground as well, so we’re going to have to use a bit of speculation when it comes to the possible release date.

The previous Mac mini was released way back on October 16, 2014, so could we witness an October launch for the new Mac mini?

Apple’s WWDC 2018 event in June would be the earliest chance for Apple to announce the Mac Mini 2018. Last year’s event saw the reveal of the HomePod and a new iPad Pro 12.9and 10.5, along with a line of new MacBooks. Either way, we’ll keep an eye on any rumors and update this article as soon as we get a clearer idea of when the Mac Mini 2018 will be coming.

Mac mini 2018 price

Again, we haven’t heard much about the potential price of the Mac mini 2018 just yet, but that’s to be expected, as pricing rumors usually begin to circulate closer to the release date.

But, could the price of previous Mac minis give us a clue to what the price of any new Mac minis would be?

The lowest spec Mac mini cost $499 (£399, around AU$650) when it launched in 2014, with the middle Mac mini costing cost $699 (£569, around AU$900) and the top-of-the range Mac mini came with a $999 (£569, around AU$1,300) price tag.

What we want to see in Mac mini 2018

While we don’t know a lot about the Mac mini 2018 at the moment, we certainly know what we want to see from a refreshed Mac mini.

1. An attractive new design

Really, there’s nothing wrong with the way the current Mac mini looks, but if we’re going to get the first major revision in almost four years, it’d be awesome if it got a nice makeover as well. Thinner, smaller and quieter. Is that too much to ask?

An old rumor from early 2017 suggested that the high-end Mac mini ‘won’t be so mini anymore’ which led people to assume more powerful components will be added, requiring more room for better cooling.

However, this rumor is quite vague, so we’d urge caution when taking this completely at face value.

Of course, powerful components will mean more heat produced, so a redesigned Mac mini isn’t out of the question, but as Apple has shown with the iMac and iMac Pro, it’s a dab hand at putting powerful components into svelte devices and keep them cool.

2. A power boost

One of the things we'd most like to see from a Mac mini 2018 is an upgrade to its components, which would make it a formidable mini machine to compete with other small form factor PCs like the Asus VivoMini and Intel NUC, which have been upgraded to 7th- and 8th-generation Intel Core processors, respectively.

So, to begin, we’d like to see a newer CPU than the current Mac mini’s 4th generation chip. Refreshing the silicon would make modern amenities like Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C), Display Port 1.2 and 4K video possible, and would give the Mac mini 2018 a considerable power boost over previous models.

Apple is reportedly planning on releasing three Macs in 2018 with custom co-processors, though we doubt the Mac mini, even if it does come out, would be included.

RAM-wise, the previous Mac mini came with 4GB, and while that could remain, we’d like to see a base 8GB of RAM, as with the MacBook Air.

2. Mouse and keyboard included

While the Mac mini has a reputation for being the most compact and economical Apple computer around, it’s also known for its lack of included (yet essential) accessories. The Magic Mouse 2 and Magic Keyboard can only be purchased separately from the Mac mini itself. That means you’ll have to shell out an additional cost for parts that are required to use it.

A recent patent filed by Apple suggests that the company is interested in bringing spill-free and crumb-resistant keyboards to its MacBooks. We would argue that this guard structure technology, designed to “keep contaminants from reaching the innards of the machine” would be a useful addition to the Mac mini as well.

3. 4K support

Wouldn’t it be great if the Mac mini 2018 could also act as an alternative to the Apple TV? For that to happen, the Mac mini 2018 would need to be a capable 4K machine – something previous models were decidedly not.

Thankfully, as we mentioned earlier, if the new Mac mini is going to feature recent Intel processors, then the integrated graphics should give it enough graphical power to handle 4K.

Previous models of the Mac mini couldn't quite handle 4K content, and this was due to hardware limitations of the time, coupled with Apple's desire to keep the Mac mini as an entry-level device, price-wise.

However, in 2018 even budget processors come with integrated graphics that are powerful enough to render 4K interfaces and play ultra high definition content from Netflix and iTunes, so we want to see Apple make use of this technology in any new Mac mini that it produces.

4. For it to actually exist

We can speculate all day about what the Mac Mini 2018 might look like, and what it’s capable of, but none of that matters if it doesn’t exist in the first place. It’s been a long time since we’ve seen an update to the Mac Mini, and Apple has a lot to gain from a market where they’re starting to see more competition than ever before.

If Apple can put out a Mac Mini that improves and innovates on its design, they might end up with one of the best multimedia PCs on the market. So, let’s just hope that Tim Cook’s stated support of the Mac mini means that the Cupertino behemoth has something up its sleeves.

]]>http://www.techradar.com/news/mac-mini-2018-release-date-news-and-rumorsSurface Pro 5 release date, news and rumorshttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/techradar/computing-news/~3/un4BvNto41g/surface-pro-5-release-date-news-and-rumors-1316294
http://www.techradar.com/news/mobile-computing/tablets/surface-pro-5-release-date-news-and-rumors-1316294When will we see the next Surface Pro?Thu, 24 May 2018 13:35:00 +0000techradar.comYou might suspect that the Windows 10 powered 2017 Surface Pro is the closest we’ll ever get to the Surface Pro 5, but if Microsoft itself is anything to go by, you would be dead wrong.

As of today, the Surface Pro 5 doesn’t exist, as Microsoft Surface boss Panos Panay confirmed last May, though he said it will exist once more meaningful changes come from the talented team at Microsoft’s hardware design lab.

To be precise, he said that while ‘no such thing as a [Surface] Pro 5’ exists today, there will be a Surface Pro 5 when the time is right. When Microsoft can more radically improve the dynamics of the very popular Surface Pro 4, it’s not that bizarre to assume we’ll see a name change beyond just the numerical value.

And, as the Windows 10 April 2018 Update has finally been released, we could see the announcement of a new Surface Pro device in the very near future.

Just like how the Surface Pro 2017 released in June 2017, the next Surface Pro or even the rumored 10-inch, cheaper, Surface is probably just a couple months away. And, though the new and improved 2017 Surface Pro gave us better battery life and a Surface Pen capable of 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity, it apparently wasn’t enough to call it the Surface Pro 5, which just makes us wonder what will be worthy of the fabled ‘5’. Let’s dive in.

Cut to the chase

What is it? The would-be fifth Surface Pro tablet

When is it out? Spring 2018 at the earliest

What will it cost? Likely as much as – if not more than – the current model

Surface Pro 5 release date

Two years ago, we were convinced we would see the Surface Pro 5 as early as last year, a prophecy that wasn’t exactly fulfilled by the time we did see another Surface Pro in May 2017. As much hearsay that had reached our offices at the time, you would have expected a full-fledged Surface Pro 4 sequel, but instead what we received was more of refresh.

At a Microsoft event that took place in Shanghai, China, the Surface Pro was unveiled in front of the whole world, though its improvements weren’t as revolutionary as we had anticipated before. In other words, the spec boost was nice, but not as nice as it would have been to get a pair of Thunderbolt 3 ports or two for external graphics. As such, we’re convinced that the Surface Pro 5 is still on its way.

Especially as Windows 10 has finally ousted Windows 7 as the most popular of Microsoft’s desktop operating systems, it’s crucial for Redmond to come out with a slate that brandishes only the latest and greatest software. We would suspect that, as the major Redstone 4 and 5 updates are being tested simultaneously, we’ll start to hear more rumors regarding the Surface Pro 5 release date.

Until then, here’s a look at the history of initial Surface Pro release dates:

Surface Pro: February 9, 2013

Surface Pro 2: October 22, 2013

Surface Pro 3: June 20, 2014

Surface Pro 4: October 26, 2015

Surface Pro (2017): June 15, 2017

We doubt the Surface Pro 5 will look terribly different from the previous

Surface Pro 5 price

Historically, Surface pricing rarely fluctuates with each new variation. At the Shanghai event on May 23, the Surface Pro was revealed to come with a $799 price in the US or £799 in the UK (that’s around AU$1,380) for the entry-level model.

If the Surface Pro 5 is indeed the Surface Pro, then we now know for sure what the price will be. But, if the Surface Pro 5 is the would-be successor to the Surface Pro, then maybe we can expect a higher price tag.

While it wouldn’t be ideal for Microsoft’s loyal following if the company deviated too far from the norm, ambitious upgrades may necessitate that it does. For the price of the next Surface Pro to differ from its predecessors, it would have to offer some serious advantages over its last-gen sibling – not just a run-of-the-mill spec boost.

Should the Surface Pro 5 team take any hints from the Surface Book 2, it’s possible that Microsoft’s next tablet will come in two different screen size variants, at two different starting prices. Considering Apple offers both a 10.5-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro, it would make sense for the Surface Pro 5 to get with the program and introduce a smaller option as well.

Image Credit: Patently Mobile

Surface Pro 5 specs

As it stands right now, the Surface Pro has some major catching up to do when it comes to specs. Just two months after it released, Intel announced its 8th-generation Ultrabook processors, which are quad-core at the most affordable level.

The 2017 Surface Pro, however, only has a dual-core, 7th-generation Intel processor regardless of how much cash you throw at it. So, when a Surface Pro 5 does arrive, realistically we’d like to see an Intel Core i5-8250U to start with more expensive editions allowing for an Intel Core i7-8550U. But now that Intel has announced a wide range of Coffee Lake U-series CPUs, we would much rather see the Surface Pro 5 come to the current CPU generation.

Though as much as we’d like to see the death of the entry-level Core m3 Surface Pro, it’s unlikely to take place with the Surface Pro – especially seeing as Microsoft’s other Surface devices have only recently begun to adopt it for the first time.

Port-wise, for the time being, the Surface Connect proprietary charger is here to stay, meaning the latest Surface Pro – and presumably the Surface Pro 5 – don’t use USB Type-C for charging or data transfers. That said, this is bound to change given that the Surface Book 2 does offer native support for USB-C.

Surface Pro 5 design

Ahead of its announcement, a leak published by VentureBeat showed off a number of press renders that claimed to be of the Surface Pro 4’s successor. As it turns out, that was only half true. These designs ended up representing the Surface Pro rather than a true Surface Pro 5.

Those who were hoping for an intense overhaul of the Surface Pro 4’s appearance will certainly be in for a rude awakening. Yet, for those of us who adore the SP4’s current look and only care about performance refinements, this will do just fine.

Those who were hoping for an intense overhaul of the Surface Pro 4’s appearance will certainly be in for a rude awakening. Yet, for those of us who adore the SP4’s current look and only care about performance refinements, this will do just fine.

Surface Pro 5 stylus and Dial

One can’t help but wonder how Microsoft will go about refreshing Surface Pen this time around. A next-generation Surface Pen is an idea we’ve contemplated for quite some time, but it wasn’t until Microsoft itself patented haptic feedback technology for the Surface Pen that we saw a clearer picture of what’s to come.

Without divulging too many drab details, the patents suggests a stylus whose tip retracts when it’s pressed against a flat surface, such as a screen per sé. From there, a coil will be compacted and subsequently vibrate from within the Pen’s chassis. It’s an idea that Apple has been toying with for years, but has yet to integrate into its existing Pencil stylus. As such, it’s now more evident than ever that Microsoft wants to beat its Cupertino rival to the punch.

Another Surface Pen patent describes a retention clip that can emulate the functions of a mouse’s scroll wheel, perhaps indicating that the Surface Pro 5 won’t need a mouse (or a trackpad) at all. This would come in handy for those users who desire the creative benefits of the Surface Pen, but would prefer not to shell out the cash for a physical keyboard.

Of course, Microsoft also has the Surface Dial in its clasp. The designer-focused, puck-like accessory was briefly mentioned in a slideshow presentation in December, with ZDNet having picked up the slides itself for use in a news story. The company claims that peripherals such as the Dial, wearables, headsets and more are factors essential to what is perceived as the ‘modern PC.’

Also mentioned was the incorporation of ‘hero features,’ such as Cortana and Windows Hello, and although a fingerprint scanner didn’t make it into the new Surface Pro itself, there is an optional Type Cover that includes this functionality. With that in mind, we can surmise that, if or when a Surface Pro 5 is announced, it will also support fingerprint recognition.

Microsoft's Panos Panay revealing the Surface Pro 3 in May 2014

What we want to see

As much as we've been impressed by the Surface Pro 4 and its follow-up – hibernation bugs aside – there will always be room for improvement. (That would be the case even if it had earned our Editor's Choice award.) From the screen size and resolution to the hardware found inside, we have a few ideas for how Microsoft could craft an even better Windows 10 tablet.

Longer battery life

This is a bit of low-hanging fruit, but countless customers have lamented the Surface Pro 4's battery life, regardless of issues with its ‘Sleep’ mode. We rated the device for five hours and 15 minutes of local video playback.

That's well below Microsoft's promise of nine hours of video playback, a benchmark that even the 2017 Surface Pro couldn’t achieve in our review (our test resulted in 6 hours and 58 minutes of video playback). Our video playback figure is in line with the average laptop, though it's a far cry from what its nemesis, the MacBook, can achieve.

Ideally, and realistically, we'd like to see at least seven hours of battery life reliably from the next Surface Pro tablet. That would put it closer in line with the MacBooks as well as competing tablets, like the iPad Pro. Surely, you’ll need as many milliampere hours in the Surface Pro 5’s lithium-ion battery as you can get.

That said, if the Surface Pro 5 could garner anywhere near the Surface Book 2 manufacturer’s suggested battery life of 17 hours, you would find no complaints from us. Come on, Microsoft, we know you’ve thought about it.

Can the screen get much sharper? Why yes, it can

An even sharper (and/or bigger) screen

With the Surface Pro 4 and the subsequent Surface Pro, Microsoft managed to outrank countless rivals in both the laptop and tablet spaces when it comes to screen resolution. With a razor-sharp 267 ppi (pixels per inch) already at 2,736 x 1,824 pixels within a 12.3-inch screen, it's not as if the Surface Pro 5 needs to be much sharper.

However, if the next Surface Pro were equipped with, say, a 4K (3,840 pixels wide at the very least) screen, that would rip its productivity and entertainment capabilities wide open. Film and photo editors could work at the native resolution that's increasingly becoming the norm, while average Joe's (teehee) could finally watch Netflix in 4K on a tablet.

That said, the realm of super sharp resolutions might be reserved for the Surface Book range at this point. So, why not up its size a bit?

The Surface Pro 4 is big enough for almost all tasks, but it's still not the established default size for most laptops: 13.3 inches. Then again, doing so may cannibalize Microsoft's market by negating the need for the Surface Book 2.

On the other hand, maybe the iPad Pro is onto something with its 12.9-inch display. After all, we’re not asking for a gargantuan, monster-sized tablet – just a slight size boost. Assuming the resolution doesn't bump up too much alongside a size increase, the extra space could allow for a battery life boost.

Now, imagine if the next Surface rocked USB-C

It might finally be time for USB-C

At this point, no Windows device is complete without implementing USB Type-C, the reversible, versatile port that can deliver power, audio and video while also transferring data at rates of up to 40Gbps. Traditional USB ports won’t cut it any longer, at least not on their own, so the Surface Pro 5 needs to get with the times.

As the Surface Book 2 gradually makes its way to eager consumers, perhaps Microsoft will start to realize the potential of its USB Type-C port. The current Surface Pro requires a dongle for USB-C connections at the present, a sentence that those familiar with the criticisms of the new port standard will have a good chuckle at.

At the same time, Microsoft may want to include a standard USB 3.0 port, too, in order to natively meet the system requirements for its own Windows Mixed Reality headsets. If the company wants to lead the pack in the business of affordable virtual reality solutions, it's a no-brainer to make the Surface Pro 5 compatible.

Whether or not you believe it will be called the Surface Pro 5, the next iteration of Microsoft’s Surface Pro tablet is an elusive concept. If one exists at all, we applaud Microsoft for how well it’s keeping its forthcoming hardware under wraps. Nevertheless, we’re sure to see some sort of new Surface product later this spring, whether it be at Build 2018 or otherwise.

Gabe Carey has also contributed to this article

]]>http://www.techradar.com/news/mobile-computing/tablets/surface-pro-5-release-date-news-and-rumors-1316294MacBook 2018: what we want to seehttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/techradar/computing-news/~3/K3u6p9fraXQ/macbook-2018-release-date-news-and-rumors
http://www.techradar.com/news/macbook-2018-release-date-news-and-rumorsHere's everything we know so far about the MacBook 2018 – potentially Apple's best ever laptop.Thu, 24 May 2018 13:30:59 +0000techradar.comIn just a few short weeks, it’ll have been a full year since we got our hands on the newest 12-inch MacBook.

On paper, it was amazing – everything we were begging for from Apple ever since the reintroduction of the MacBook in 2015. The keyboard, with Apple’s proprietary butterfly switches, is more tactile, while the internals saw huge advances – thanks to 7th-generation Intel Core m3, i5 and i7 processors.

Intel has since released 8th-generation Coffee Lake processors for laptops, so we could see a huge leap in performance with the MacBook 2018. Keep in mind, though, that Apple, with its Kalamata initiative, is reportedly planning on replacing all Intel CPUs with its own Cupertino-crafted chips in 2020. What this means for the 2018 Macs is anyone’s guess, but Apple has hinted that it would release three Macs with custom co-processors in 2018.

And, with WWDC 2018 just a few weeks away at this point, we have reason to think that the MacBook 2018 is about to be revealed. There are all kinds of rumors swirling around the internet about what it’s going to look like, as well.

From the prospect of a cheaper 13-inch model to that of crumb-resistant and spill-proof inputs, the MacBook 2018 could see some seriously dramatic changes from its predecessor. Let’s hope, then, that it doesn’t stray too far from the quirks that make it so curiously enticing to begin with.

Cut to the chase

What is it? Apple’s thinnest 2018 laptop

When is it out? April 2018 at the earliest

What will it cost? Presumably the same as current models

MacBook 2018 release date

None of the most recent reports, rumors or leaks give any lead as to when we’ll see the 2018 MacBook. Of course, we’ll gladly speculate based on the previous three releases of Apple’s 12-inch laptop.

In 2015, Apple released the first MacBook during April, directly following a March keynote. That’s a largely odd time for Apple to release a device, but it’s happened before.

It’s highly unlikely for the MacBook price to budge in either direction.

Apple followed suit in 2016 with an April release, but not to the same fanfare as the debut. The most recent MacBook release occurred in June 2017, almost immediately following Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) event and alongside the MacBook Pro.

So, this leaves us with two (and a half) distinct possibilities for a 2018 MacBook release. First, Apple could hold another March keynote this year and debut the device there for another April release. Second, the 12-inch MacBook could be under a veil until WWDC 2018 for a June release. And, finally, Apple could release the thing in April with nary a press release – hey, it’s been done before.

It’s also been reported again that Apple is planning on releasing a cheaper, 13-inch MacBook that’s significantly less expensive than they’ve been in the past. Fingers crossed we’ll see it at their keynote next week!

Beyond that, it’s anyone’s guess as to when we’ll see the 2018 MacBook. We’ll look out for new rumors and update this article as soon as the MacBook 2018 release date begins to grow clearer.

MacBook 2018 price

Again, nothing about the most recent reports and leaks regarding a 2018 MacBook discuss the possible price of the laptop. These types of rumors or leaks usually don’t pop up until we get closer to an actual release, so it makes sense.

This is another aspect where we’ll have to speculate based on the current pricing of the MacBook. The entry-level MacBook will run you $1,299, £1,249 or AU$1,899 to start. Only one more model, with more storage and power goes for another 300 to 450 bucks on top of that. However, there is speculation that Apple is going to be releasing a cheaper 2018 MacBook that will be more in line with the pricing of the MacBook air, around $999.

We’re also anticipating Apple to release a brand new, 13-inch MacBook this year.

With the pricing so tight here, amounting to minute differences in hardware between offerings, it’s highly unlikely for the MacBook price to budge in either direction. That is short of Apple introducing more capacious storage or higher power options, which will send the price in only one direction: up.

For the MacBook price to come down, something somewhere would have to give – whether that’s storage coming down to 128GB to start rather than 256GB or starting memory dropping to 4GB from 8GB is entirely up to Apple. Again, we find this scenario to be highly unlikely, but stranger things have happened.

We’ll look out for new rumors and update this article as soon as the MacBook 2018 price begins to crop up as we inch closer.

What we want to see in MacBook 2018

All of this uncertainty surrounding a possible MacBook 2018 release is fertile ground for a well-crafted wishlist.

So, here’s what we hope to see Apple improve about the MacBook for 2018.

MacBook 2018 keyboard and screen

Building off of an earlier patent that showed us Apple’s plans to create a MacBook with dual screens, there’s now rumors that it will use that second screen to create a sort of touch keyboard. We don’t know exactly what it’ll be capable of, but there’s potential there for on-the-fly region changing and easy access to an emoji keyboard – instead of having emoji relegated to the Touch Bar.

And, of course if Apple does follow through with this keyboard design, they’ll implement haptic feedback so that you’ll get the same experience as using a mechanical keyboard, only with the flexibility that a touch screen keyboard brings with it. However, it’s easy to expect this to raise the price in any MacBook that implements it.

Finally, Apple has been rumored to be working on a MacBook keyboard that’s crumb and spill-proof. We first expected this development to result in a product that’s been around in Windows-based laptops for years. But, now we’re not so sure – perhaps the keyboard is crumb- and-spill-proof because it’s a screen.

More ports, please

Our biggest bugbear with the 12-inch MacBook, since its launch, has been the incredibly sore lack of ports on the laptop. Still equipped with nothing but a lone Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) port and a headphone jack, this absolutely needs to change in the next version. Just one more?

We’ve already seen Windows laptops accomplish this feat, like the Huawei MateBook X with its two USB-C ports. Even the similarly priced MacBook Pro has a pair of Thunderbolt 3 connections. Perhaps there’s room for a microSD card reader in there, too.

Punchier processors

Costing what it does, Apple really needs to inject some more power into its 12-inch MacBooks. With the onset of Intel processors with AMD graphics onboard, this is the perfect opportunity for the 12-inch MacBook to get a power boost that wouldn’t impact battery life.

How, you ask? Well, we immediately look to these new Intel processors with AMD Vega, discrete-grade graphics on board that are already finding their way to new laptops this year. Such an upgrade would put the MacBook into an entirely new echelon of premium stature.

Then again, seeing as the MacBook has consistently used energy efficient Intel Core ‘M’ and ‘Y’ series CPUs up to this point, we wouldn’t bank on seeing the hardy graphics power featured in Intel’s ‘G’ series chips. And, since there is no 8th-generation equivalent of the 7th-gen Intel Core m3-7Y32 that the MacBook currently uses, it’s possible for Apple to switch to an i3-8130U.

Moreover, a recent news story claimed that Apple was planning to ship a trio of Macs featuring its custom co-processors later this year. These are expected to be similar to the T1 and T2 chips found in the MacBook Pro and iMac Pro, respectively.

Since the 12-inch MacBook doesn’t have a Touch Bar, it’s safe to assume that if one of these co-processors is implemented, it will be used for the automatic wake and ‘Hey Siri’ functionality presently exclusive to the iMac Pro.

Stronger audio and video

Speaker performance and webcam quality are two corners that Apple obviously cut through in crafting the MacBook. With the MacBook 2018, this needs to stop. Tinny speakers and a sub-HD webcam for a laptop this expensive simply isn’t acceptable.

Simply bump the webcam up to 1080p FaceTime HD befitting of its price tag, and problem solved. The speakers, however, is a problem we don’t necessarily have a solution for. Supporting the speakers with down-throwing bass modules in the base might work?

iOS apps on MacBook

Now that it’s been talked about for so long, the idea of iOS apps on macOS has grown on us. We’re excited by the prospect of continuing work from our phones straight away on our laptops – or polishing off that top score upon sitting down at the desk.

However, Apple needs to nail how this is going to happen if a MacBook with a touchscreen remains unlikely. Will the mouse simply stand in for our fingers, or does Apple have something clever up its sleeve?

]]>http://www.techradar.com/news/macbook-2018-release-date-news-and-rumorsMacBook Air 2018: what we want to seehttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/techradar/computing-news/~3/3BTzyA4pR-s/macbook-air-2018-release-date-news-and-rumors
http://www.techradar.com/news/macbook-air-2018-release-date-news-and-rumorsIn which we dig into the possibilities of a MacBook Air 2018 release from Apple.Thu, 24 May 2018 13:30:48 +0000techradar.comWe have no doubt that the MacBook Air will soon be replaced with something harder, better, faster and stronger – especially given its ripe old age.

In 2018 the cheapest Apple notebook features a 5th-generation Intel Core i5 or i7 processor, whereas most notebooks are rocking 8th-generation Intel Core chips in 2018.

Luckily, there’s no shortage of MacBook Air 2018 rumors on the internet, and we could be seeing the MacBook Air 2018 show up at some point this year. That is, according to KGI Securities Analyst Ming Chi Kuo, who claimed that a cheaper, entry-level MacBook Air will replace the $999 (£999, around AU$1,199) model in the second quarter of 2018.

However that might actually be the second half of 2018, at least according to a report from DigiTimes. This rumored delay about the rumored MacBook is reportedly due to component shortages.

Now that WWDC 2018 is just a few weeks away, we could be seeing what MacBook Air 2018 – whatever it may be – reportedly alongside a cheaper 13-inch Retina MacBook. That’s why we decided to take a look at everything there is to know about the MacBook Air 2018.

We don’t have a lot of concrete information to go off of, but we can always speculate based on recent rumors and past MacBook Air releases. And, we’ll also explore what we want to see if a new MacBook Air does show up in 2018. So, be sure to bookmark this page, as we’ll keep it updated with all the latest MacBook Air 2018 news and speculation when and if it shows up.

Cut to the chase

What is it? A hopeful sequel to Apple’s most popular laptop

When is it out? June 2018 at the earliest

What will it cost? Hopefully as much as current models

MacBook Air 2018 release date

For as much as we appreciate the revised butterfly hinge keyboard in the MacBook and MacBook Pro, we’d really like to see at least one Apple laptop hold onto its traditional keyboard. There’s enough room inside the chassis, and giving fans a choice would be admirable.

At the same time, there’s a patent going around at the moment that suggests a spill-proof and crumb-resistant keyboard is in the works behind the doors at Apple Park. Filed recently by Apple, the keyboard “could include a substrate, a key cap and a guard structure extending from the key cap that funnels contaminants away from the movement mechanism.”

Should it maintain the same travel and tactile feel of the MacBook Air today, this is a change to the keyboard we wouldn’t mind.

Don’t expect much about the MacBook Air price to change year over year – its affordability is a huge part of its continued draw.

Looking back further than this, the MacBook Air has received updates on an annual basis since its release in 2008, and in largely different months during those years. That said, June has been the most popular month for this laptop to receive upgrades.

So, if Kuo’s sources are wrong, that leaves us with the most likely release month for a would-be 2018 MacBook Air being June, likely directly following a WWDC 2018 announcement. That would be a properly annual launch, and have the fanfare of Apple’s huge developer event behind it for a triumphant return.

If Apple misses the June launch window, it’s likely that the report we’ve seen from DigiTimes is accurate, and we’ll see it debut in October or November, in time for the Christmas and holiday shopping season. We’ll look out for new rumors and update this article as soon as possible as more MacBook Air 2018 release date information comes our way.

MacBook Air 2018 price

Of course, without a mention of a MacBook Air 2018 rumor beyond its prophesied death, that leaves us with next to nothing regarding the price of such an Apple laptop. Those types of leaks don’t tend to crop up until we get closer to an expected release date.

However, don’t expect much about the MacBook Air price to change year over year – its affordability is a huge part of its continued draw. Apple has already nailed the prices for its two MacBook Air models, starting at $999, £949 or AU$1,499.

It would be a surprise if Apple were to throw one of its newfangled T series processors (based on ARM architecture) inside a MacBook Air 2018.

From there, you can double the starting model’s 128GB SSD capacity to 256GB for another $200, £150 or AU$300.

If pricing were to change this year, we’d wager that Apple would simply make room for that rumored 13-inch, entry-level MacBook by either bumping up or knocking down this MacBook Air’s hardware and adjust accordingly. Though, it’s probably more likely that Apple would just shutter the laptop line altogether if that aforementioned MacBook is a reality.

We’ll look out for new rumors and update this article as soon as the MacBook Air 2018 price begins to grow clearer.

What we want to see in MacBook Air 2018

Naturally, this 100% lack of any truly substantial information about the forthcoming 2018 MacBook Air gives us plenty of room to draw up a wishlist. So, here’s what we want to see from a MacBook Air for 2018.

Up-to-date components all around

This is the most basic and essential of requests, but the MacBook Air could really use a soup to nuts upgrade. From the processor to the ports and screen resolution, everything about the MacBook Air could do with ample refinements.

This should start with the design of the laptop. In its current state, the MacBook Air appears more antiquated than the Windows laptops that have shamelessly ripped it off. What it needs now more than ever is a Retina display that goes as bezel-less as possible without sacrificing the webcam.

And, now that Intel has announced a wide range of 8th-generation Coffee Lake processors for laptops, we all but expect the 2018 line of MacBooks to feature them in some shape or form.

A better screen

There’s no argument from us that the MacBook Air’s display needs to get with the times. By now, every other MacBook except the Air is using a Retina display featuring at least 226 pixels per inch (ppi). Meanwhile, the MacBook Air remains stagnant at only 128 ppi, a measly 1,440 x 900 pixels on a 13.3-inch panel.

We can conclude, then, that the resolution has to get a bump of at least 76% in order to keep up with Apple’s other products. Fortunately, the webcam doesn’t necessitate a similar treatment, as the current MacBook Air FaceTime camera already captures video at a higher resolution than the pricier 12-inch MacBook.

No matter how crisp its screen, the MacBook Air 2018 will benefit from the MoltenVK Vulkan API implementation recently introduced for Apple’s Metal 2 graphics framework. This means we can expect to see higher frame rates across the board for a number of multiplatform games available for macOS including, but not limited to, Dota 2.

The traditional keyboard stays

For as much as we appreciate the revised butterfly hinge keyboard in the MacBook and MacBook Pro, we’d really like to see at least one Apple laptop hold onto its traditional keyboard. There’s enough room inside the chassis, and giving fans a choice would be admirable.

Plus, using existing hardware could keep the costs of a revamped MacBook Air down to where they should be, thus maintaining the price.

Fast charging, please

It shouldn’t be difficult for Apple to maintain the same stellar level of battery life within the MacBook Air if all of its parts are upgraded in tandem. But, just to make the experience that much better, charging the laptop for 10-plus hours of use in a fraction of the time would be nice.

This comes in tandem with the request for new ports, i.e. USB-C for fast charging, but we’d like to see to see the MagSafe cord remain. Even the option for both would be pleasant.

iOS apps on MacBook Pro

Now that it’s been bandied about for a while, we’ve come around to idea of iOS apps on macOS. The prospect of continuing work from our phones straight away on our laptops – or polishing off that top score upon sitting down at the desk – is an exciting one.

However, Apple needs to determine how this is going to be intuitive if a MacBook with a touchscreen remains unlikely. Will the mouse simply stand in for our fingers, or does Apple have something fresh up its sleeve?

]]>http://www.techradar.com/news/macbook-air-2018-release-date-news-and-rumors13 weird and wonderful niche Linux distros of 2018http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/techradar/computing-news/~3/bWTqLsonZe0/13-weird-and-wonderful-niche-linux-distros-of-2017
http://www.techradar.com/news/13-weird-and-wonderful-niche-linux-distros-of-2017The best, oddest and most useful distributions that Linux has to offer, and why on earth you'd want to use them.Thu, 24 May 2018 13:28:27 +0000techradar.comNote: Our weird and wonderful niche Linux distros roundup has been fully updated. This feature was first published in December 2011.

Fed up with the bog-standard Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora and so on? Looking for a distro that reflects your individuality? In this roundup we've discovered no less than 13 of the quirkiest and most useful distributions that Linux has to offer.

They include one distro which is the official, sanctioned OS of North Korea, no less, along with a Satanic Edition of Ubuntu (there's also a Christian version to balance things out), and also a distro which is so light it will run on a PC from the mid-80s.

Read on to find out more about each of these interesting distros. Before we begin, however, do note that not all of these operating systems are suitable for everyday use without extensive modification – so consider running them from a Live CD/USB or within a virtual machine, rather than installing them on a computer.

Linux Format is the number one magazine to boost your knowledge on Linux, open source developments, distro releases and much more. Subscribe to the print or digital version of Linux Format here

The ‘hermit kingdom’ that is the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) is one of the most isolated countries in the world. The internet is strictly censored (indeed, most North Koreans have never even heard of it) and access to computers is patchy.

Unwilling to rely solely on operating systems developed by the imperialist US, supreme leader Kim Jong-Il sanctioned the development of an official OS of North Korea named Red Star, which is based on Linux and uses North Korean terminology and spelling.

Red Star fully lives up to the Orwellian reputation of the DPRK. It is closed source and has a feature which watermarks any media files copied to external drives with the hard drive’s serial number. This is most likely because North Korean dissidents often swap banned films using a 'sneakernet' of USB sticks. Red Star also has a supposed 'virus scanner' which can automatically delete censored files. The root user is disabled by default, meaning you don't have full control over your system.

For this reason, you should only run Red Star inside a virtual machine. See our guide on how to do this here.

Development of Red Star has continued under the auspices of supreme commander Kim Jong Un. Version 3.0 was released back in 2014 and uses the KDE desktop environment, bearing a strong resemblance to macOS. It works quite well but is preconfigured to only use North Korea's intranet by default, so can't access the web at large, except for a few pages on the Mozilla website.

As the OS is based on Linux, skilled users can tinker with the language and DNS settings to use it in English with internet access. There's also a server-only version (4.0) used by the DPRK's official airline Air Koryo which can connect directly to the internet, but it's not available for general download.

The default web browser Naenara (meaning ‘My Country’) is a modified version of Firefox 3.5. We searched for 'democracy' in the default search engine, but nothing came up.

As a final reminder: if you want to give this a whirl, don’t install the OS on actual hardware, but rather inside a virtual machine.

The classically educated reader might be able to guess that MuLinux is a small distro – the Greek letter 'mu' is the SI designation for one millionth.

Mu was designed to be a minimal distro along the lines of Puppy or Damn Small Linux, but it's considerably more miniscule. The OS was developed to run from floppy disks, so only requires 20MB of hard disk space and 4MB of RAM. It will run on any machine with an Intel 80386 processor or later. This particular processor was released in 1985 so it’s safe to say that MuLinux can breathe life into ancient hardware.

Development of MuLinux was frozen in 2004. As mentioned, it was originally designed in such a way to allow the user to install and run a basic Unix-like shell from a single floppy disk, then install additional packages such as server tools from separate disks.

This self-described 'Linux for the Damned' enjoys the notoriety of being banned from the popular Linux OS database Distrowatch. Version 666.9 (we promise we're not making this up) is based on the rather dated Ubuntu 10.10. Like regular Ubuntu, the Satanic Edition is fond of alliterative names for new versions including Lucifer's Legions and Jesus' Jugular.

The dark themes, fiery wallpaper, and Gnome 2 desktop along with various custom sound effects and death metal music combine to make for an OS which Dante himself would be proud of. The website promises to ‘keep your PC looking evil, even when you're not using it’.

Although development on this Linux tribute to the Dark One seems to have halted, you can still boot Ubuntu SE from a Live medium – or as the developers prefer to call it an ‘undead’ CD.

This is one that will appeal to the techies out there – the thing that marks GoboLinux out from the rest is its filesystem layout. Most Linux distributions use an archaic non-arrangement wherein an application's files are scattered around your hard drive in several different folders.

GoboLinux adopts a macOS-like approach (which Apple in turn took from RISC OS), and stores all files associated with an application in a single folder in '/Programs'. For instance, if you have a program named 'foo' all files pertaining to it would be stored in '/Programs/foo'. You can still install multiple versions of the same application if you wish, for example, for separate users on the system. This is managed by GoboLinux's file virtualization tool Runner.

The most current version of GoboLinux is 016.01, released in April 2017, but the project's Github page shows Gobo is in active development. The latest version includes a copy of one of the very first web browsers, NCSA Mosaic, for a bit of old-school net surfing. GoboLinux also now includes GoboNet, a lightweight and daemon-free network manager.

If you like software freedom, you'll love GNewSense. The OS has had all non-free software removed, including binary 'blob' files in the kernel, so-named as they use proprietary code. Unfortunately, many of these blobs are drivers for wireless networking cards, so GNewSense may not work well with laptops.

On the plus side, it has removed or renamed software that doesn't fit the Free Software Foundation's definition of freedom. The OS uses a modified version of Debian's IceWeasel browser, for instance, to avoid using the Firefox trademark. GNewSense doesn’t provide any links to non-free repositories, making it even more free than Debian.

After a three year hiatus, the latest version of GNewSense, codenamed Ucclia, was released in May 2016 and is based on Debian 7. It can be booted as a Live CD to help you check whether it supports your hardware.

Do you love Linux? Do you really love it? Because you're going to need to if you want to follow the Linux from Scratch program. Not (technically) a formal distro, LFS is more a set of tutorials and packages designed to help you set up your own completely bespoke Linux system. From scratch.

That means first creating a temporary system with which to compile the real thing, building your own partitions and file system, and installing every element of a functioning Linux system painstakingly by hand. Oh, and figuring out exactly why it isn't working.

The documentation comes in freely downloadable volumes, charmingly entitled 'Stable' for the latest release and 'Development' if you want to check out the version that creator Gerard Beekmans and his team are working on at this very moment. There's also a systemd version, which uses the latest in system initialisation techniques.

One of the easiest ways to get started is to read the freely downloadable LFS Book, which takes you through all the steps for constructing your own system. As of LFS version 8.0, the book has undergone a major rewrite with hundreds of new packages now available.

NixOS has grown from a simple research project in 2014 to a fully-fledged independent operating system, optimised for cutting-edge system configuration management. It qualifies as weird and wonderful due to the fact that the OS, kernel, and other system files are created using the integrated Nix package manager.

While Linux traditionally lumps packages together in various system folders such as /bin, Nix stores them in a single location (/nix/store).

The advantage of this is that all upgrades are 'atomic'. With traditional Linux distros, upgrading one package can cause others to break if they have shared dependency. Nix's crafty package segregation means that all updates and upgrades can be reversed. This makes for a very stable system.

Moebuntu is an upgrade for existing Ubuntu installations designed especially for fans of Manga and Anime, and it shows how the OS can be tweaked or fine-tuned to the extreme. There’s an automated setup tool which will apply the colourful desktop and icon themes – prepare yourself for some alarming hues of pink if you do so. There's also a suitably rosy dash icon as well as an array of wallpapers and Manga-style fonts.

As gaudy as this may appear, the advantage of Moebuntu is that it has kept pace with the times. The latest release supports Ubuntu 17.04 so unlike some of the other distros we've highlighted, you can enjoy a taste of the weird and wonderful while having an up-to-date OS.

You can install the Moebuntu desktop theme, icon packs, wallpaper and Dash icon by following the steps on the Moebuntu website

Having given the devil his due with Ubuntu Satanic Edition earlier in this article, it’s only fair that we let Christians rejoice about the version of Linux crafted just for them.

Ubuntu CE offers a non-denominational version of Linux for Christians, based on the standard Ubuntu builds. The latest version is built on Ubuntu 12.04 LTS (long term support).

The stated aim of the project is to try to encourage more people within the Christian community to realise the power of Linux and switch to Ubuntu.

The latest release incorporates Xiphos, a bible study tool, as well as worship presentation software OpenLP and Quelea, which can be used to project bible verses, hymns and so on.

Ubuntu CE also includes the powerful 'Dansguardian' content filter providing advanced parental controls. The wallpaper has been thoughtfully chosen with Biblical quotes.

There still exists among our Windows-using cousins the risible idea that Linux isn't good enough to take over on the desktop – that the continued dominance of Microsoft on the desktop is inevitable, because Linux is not up to the job technically.

This can easily be refuted. All of the top 500 supercomputers in the world now run Linux. Also, the cleverest people on the planet – scientists searching for clues about the beginning of the universe – also use Scientific Linux at the CERN laboratories.

This distro is a rebuild of Red Hat Enterprise Linux and is actively developed by people within CERN, Fermilab and ETHZ. Anyone can download and install it on their machine – you don't even need a PhD in theoretical physics.

Parted Magic is a Live distro that comes with all the tools you need to fix broken partitions. If something won't boot, this is what you use to fix it, and that goes for both Linux and Windows machines. It is most often used as a tool, although technically it is a Linux distribution in its own right.

Parted Magic also allows for secure disk erasing (making sure that data is really nuked), benchmarking, and disk cloning among other features. As a troubleshooting aid, it's indispensable, but it will cost you $11 (around £8, AU$15) to download direct from the author's site. For an additional fee you can order it preinstalled on USB or DVD.

This distro is drastically out-of-date and about as niche as they come, but HML – or Hannah Montana Linux – is the perfect desktop for fans of Miley Cyrus’ heady Nickelodeon days. Enjoy a pink Hannah Montana-themed KDE desktop, featuring Tux with the double-life teenage singer's logo emblazoned on his belly.

It also includes a custom Hannah Montana boot screen, theme, icon set and wallpapers. The website helpfully adds that it is not vulnerable to Windows viruses.

There's no reason to use HML unless you're a diehard Hannah fan, but since it's based on Kubuntu using KDE 4.2, there are plenty of packages to install. You could even upgrade it to the latest version of Kubuntu by running the command 'sudo apt-get dist-upgrade' from the Linux Terminal. Alternatively, diehard Montana-fans can download the icons and/or theme pack and install it on top of their existing KDE install.

Zeroshell comes from Italy, and it’s a small Linux distro designed to run as a Live CD for servers or embedded devices such as routers. You can even install it onto a Raspberry Pi.

It has no GUI but you can access and configure it from your web browser. Zeroshell is a lot more powerful than the average router's web interface allowing you to perform activities such as assigning IP addresses, DHCP provision and changing DNS settings. It can function as a proxy, VPN access point or a firewall, and can interface with any network appliance.

Zeroshell is in active development: the latest version (3.8.2) was released in December 2017.

]]>http://www.techradar.com/news/13-weird-and-wonderful-niche-linux-distros-of-2017Mac Pro 2019 release date, news and rumorshttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/techradar/computing-news/~3/vDBDrvRjhQk/mac-pro-2018-release-date-news-and-rumors
http://www.techradar.com/news/mac-pro-2018-release-date-news-and-rumorsDigging into Apple’s new Mac Pro 2019, its first modular computer for pros and prosumers.Thu, 24 May 2018 13:25:27 +0000techradar.comApple’s Mac Pro hasn’t had much in the way of major updates or upgrades in quite a while. However, back in April 2017 Apple acknowledged the outcry for support of the Mac Pro by hinting that it’s working on a ‘modular’ and ‘upgradeable’ Mac Pro.

Apple then backed this statement up with a press release for the new iMac Pro sale date back in December 2017, stating that the Mac Pro 2019 was ‘still in development’. So, we know that the Mac Pro 2019 exists, we just won’t see it for a while. But who knows, maybe we’ll see it teased at WWDC 2018 on June 4.

So, what will the 2019 Mac Pro look like, given its modular nature? What will you be able to upgrade? Is it going to look like a souped-up HomePod?

Before we dive into these details over the next year or so, we need to lay out the basics.

Cut to the chase

What is it? Apple’s first dedicated desktop since 2013

When is it out? Early 2019 at the earliest most likely

What will it cost? Likely as much as – if not more than – current models

Mac Pro 2019 release date

Now, while the new Mac Pro used to be the one Apple product we actually knew with absolute certainty could have been released in 2018, we were mistaken. It turns out the new Mac Pro has been confirmed for a 2019 release date.

The current Mac Pro computer debuted at the June 2013 Apple Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), with a December 2013 final release date. Of course, many purchasers didn’t get their computers until April 2014 on account of backorders.

Given how long its been since the previous update to the Mac Pro, it would be unwise for Apple to drive the asking price any higher.

Before that, the original Mac Pro was revealed to the world during the August 2006 WWDC, getting into the public’s hands within the same month.

Therefore, it’s still possible for the Mac Pro to be teased at WWDC 2018 in June. When the product will release to the public, however, is anyone’s guess, but we do know that Apple is going to make its fans wait until early 2019 at the earliest.

If the Mac Pro is a no-show at WWDC, the next likely time it would appear would be in October or November, to make room for the unavoidable September iPhone launch.

Mac Pro 2019 price

We have absolutely no Mac Pro 2019 pricing information from neither leaks nor Apple’s own remarks on the device. So, once again we’re left to speculate based on the pricing of previous Mac Pro models.

The current Mac Pro, largely unchanged since its 2013 release, calls for a whopping $2,999, £2,999 or AU$4,899 to start. The only other model available hikes the price up by $1,000, £900 and AU$1,600, respectively, for some beefy component upgrades.

This Mac Pro could be one of the three Mac computers expected to launch this year with one of Apple’s new T series co-processors inside.

Given how long its been since the previous update to the Mac Pro, it would be unwise for Apple to drive the asking price any higher.

However, if the new Mac Pro’s ‘modular, upgradeable’ nature turns out to be true, that could lead the firm to price the device accordingly, knowing that end users would no longer have to turn to it for upgrades.

Mac Pro 2019 specs

What will be inside the computer is, sadly, another unknown regarding the Mac Pro for 2019, save for a scant few details. For starters, we know that Apple is focused on issuing a Mac Pro with a modular and upgradeable design.

“In addition to the new iMac Pro, Apple is working on a completely redesigned, next-generation Mac Pro architected for pro customers who need the highest performance, high-throughput system in a modular, upgradeable design,” Apple wrote in a December 2017 press release announcing the new iMac Pro, “as well as a new high-end pro display.”

With that, we know that Apple intends to make at least some of the new Mac Pro design easy to manage, upgrade and set up in different orientations. If this is the case, this computer will have to work with a large variety of off-the-shelf parts – at least ‘off-the-shelf’ for business pros or IT managers. (Could the Mac Pro inadvertently be Apple’s first mining computer?)

Simply put, there wasn’t enough room in the last Mac Pro for storage expansion, and that needs to change in the 2019 model.

Simply put, there wasn’t enough room in the last Mac Pro for storage expansion, and that needs to change in the 2019 model.

We also know that Apple has a display in the works, presumably one that was designed with the performance of the Mac Pro in mind.

As of last September, reports circulated that an 8K (7680 x 4320) resolution display was in the works at Apple, and that it would compete with the 32-inch Dell UltraSharp monitor that we recently reviewed. It would come with either 10-bit dithering or native 10-bit colors as well, but would not be touchscreen, despite the likely possibility that iOS apps are on their way to Mac.

Like the T1 (which manages the MacBook Pro Touch Bar and Touch ID) and T2 (which manages the iMac Pro hardware security and allows for the automatic ‘Hey Siri’ command) before them, these will likely offload key tasks from the Intel processors that will likely be inside the 2019 Mac Pro models.

How will this manifest inside the Mac Pro for 2019? The most likely scenario is the latter one: implementing the very same T2 chip inside the iMac Pro into this device. That would bring pro-grade security and on-demand Siri to the Mac Pro, the former of which is crucial for getting traction in office environments.

What we want to see in Mac Pro 2019

All of these rumors swirling around a potential Mac Pro 2019 release puts us in prime position for a well-crafted wishlist. So, here’s what we hope to see Apple upgrade within the Mac Pro for 2019.

More internal expansionSimply put, there wasn’t enough room in the last Mac Pro for storage expansion, and that needs to change in the 2019 model. Good thing, then, that words like ‘modular’ make us confident that this will, indeed, be the case. Hot swappable storage bays, anyone?

Dual-processor optionsApple was criticized in our Mac Pro review for not offering a dual-processor option. Surely, plenty of video editors and other media creators would relish the opportunity for twice as fast rendering and encoding power. A CPU with 16 cores is nice, but 32 cores is nicer.

A keyboard and mouse includedThe 2013 Mac Pro shipped without any Magic Keyboard or Magic Mouse included. Simply put, we’d like to see this change with the 2019 version. Shipping an Apple computer without proper inputs is like trying to sell a car without the steering wheel.

iOS apps on Mac ProNow that it has been bandied about for so long, the idea of iOS apps on a Mac computer has grown on us. We’d love to see our favorite iPhone and iPad apps make their way to the desktop. However, Apple needs to figure out how this will work on an Apple device without a touchscreen much less a trackpad. Unfortunately recent speculation leads us to believe we won’t be seeing iOS apps on Mac this year – not to mention the fact that Tim Cook says that Apple fans don’t actually want it in the first place.

]]>http://www.techradar.com/news/mac-pro-2018-release-date-news-and-rumorsmacOS 10.14: what we want to seehttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/techradar/computing-news/~3/JNJ40xC95Sg/macos-1014
http://www.techradar.com/news/macos-1014All we expect (and hope) to see regarding Apple’s next Mac operating system, presumably named macOS 10.14. Thu, 24 May 2018 13:20:25 +0000techradar.comNow that WWDC 2018 is just two weeks away (we know, we can’t wait either), the Apple rumor mill is in full spin. Still, there really isn’t much in the way of concrete information about macOS 10.14, which we assume will be the next version of Apple’s Mac operating system.

So, we’re left with some room for speculation regarding macOS 10.14 – what it’ll bring, when it’ll release and most importantly, what we want to see. So, sit back, relax and enjoy this deep dive into all things macOS 10.14. And, be sure to bookmark this page – as we’ll continue to update it with all the latest news and rumors.

Cut to the chase

What is it? The 2018 edition of Apple’s Mac operating system, macOS

When is it out? Likely September or October 2018

What will it cost? macOS 10.14 will likely be free

macOS 10.14 release date

At the moment, when Apple will release macOS 10.14 is entirely unknown. However, we can attempt to triangulate a release date through looking back to releases of the past.

Since 2013 and the release of OS X 10.9 Mavericks, Apple has teased its latest version of the Mac OS during its annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) keynote in early June, followed by a full release September or October of the same year. Apple has also done this completely free of charge since then.

There’s currently nothing to indicate that the macOS release cadence or pricing scheme will deviate from this trend.

So, that leaves us with the strong expectation that Apple will tease what macOS 10.14 has to offer in June at WWDC, release a public beta test around a month later and drop the final product in September or October for all to enjoy.

macOS 10.14 specifications

Knowing next to nothing about macOS 10.14, it’s tough to say exactly which Mac hardware will support the next version of Apple’s Mac interface. But, again, we can look to the previous year’s requirements for an idea of what to expect this year.

First off, prepare for macOS 10.14 to require at least 14.3GB of hard drive space for the installation, as that’s what was required last year. To keep it on the safe side, make it 20GB.

Next, Macs that received the 10.13 upgrade were required to be equipped with at least 2GB of memory (or RAM) and running OS X 10.8 or later. Last year, this is what that managed to cover product-wise:

MacBook (Late 2009 or newer)

MacBook Pro (Mid 2010 or newer)

MacBook Air (Late 2010 or newer)

Mac mini (Mid 2010 or newer)

iMac (Late 2009 or newer)

Mac Pro (Mid 2010 or newer)

So, while these required model years rarely change year-over-year with new releases of macOS, if your Mac model is older than the minimum release year, you might have to buy a new Mac to enjoy this next version of the OS. However, wait until these hardware requirements are published before leaping onto a new Mac!

What we want to see in macOS 10.14

Every time Apple releases a new version of macOS is an opportunity for the company to improve on past shortcomings as well as fulfill the wildest computing dreams of its fans. But, mostly, we see Apple simply smooth out proverbial edges and increase quality-of-life in using the OS. With that in mind, here’s what we want to see in macOS 10.14.

iOS apps on Mac
We’ve seen the idea of iPhone and iPad apps on macOS for a long time, and we have to admit the idea has grown on us. The idea of continuing work from our iPhones right away on our MacBooks – or polishing off that top score when we sit down at the desk is pretty exciting.

More active Siri
Honestly, Siri on Mac (much less, iPhone) is only about as useful as how often you remember to ask for its assistance – and even then your mileage may vary. So, we’d like to see Siri on Mac begin to act more like, say, Cortana does on Windows 10.

We’ve already given over our permissions to Siri so that it can access our data – whether in Apple’s general end-user license agreement for macOS or when we configured the tool. So, why not leverage that more?

A Siri that makes that meeting reminder for you or directs you to a better deal online without your asking is far more helpful than having to remember it’s there first.

Deeper ecosystem control
Frankly, Apple fans should feel more rewarded for the thousands of dollars or pounds it takes to be such a diehard fan. One fine way of doing that is opening macOS up to control and manage other Apple devices under a particular user’s Apple ID.

Imagine being able to see your iPhone’s storage and manage it from your Mac, for instance. Or, on a related note, triggering an App Store download on your iPhone from your Mac – before or after making the space for it from macOS. It’s a small thing, but such a chance would help keep fans feeling rewarded for going all-Apple, as it were.

]]>http://www.techradar.com/news/macos-1014Best productivity apps of 2018http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/techradar/computing-news/~3/-zS4Upgj8bI/best-productivity-app
http://www.techradar.com/news/best-productivity-appBecome more productive and work more effectively using these top-notch apps.Thu, 24 May 2018 13:14:05 +0000techradar.comWork can be engrossing. Enthralling. A platform where you learn more about the world, and yourself.

But let's be realistic: most of the time it's just a chore which you'd like to complete just as quickly as possible.

Good productivity apps can really help – and we've found 10 of the best for your delectation in this article.

Whether you want to plan a project, work better with others, save interesting stuff you've found online or just make the best possible use of your time, there's something for you here.

There are endless to-do list apps around, and many of them are very capable, but if you really want to get your life organized then few deliver quite as well as Wunderlist.

Getting started with the app is supremely easy, yet the more you explore, the more features you find. You can create actions directly from the web or by forwarding emails, arrange related items in folders to keep them organized, add due dates and attachments, and get notifications via emails, in-app messages and more.

Any or all of your lists can easily be shared with others for streamlined collaboration on complex projects. You can assign tasks to others as required, and a comments system allows your team to discuss the latest issues.

With apps for Windows, Android, iOS, Mac, Kindle Fire and more, as well as a web interface, you can run Wunderlist just about anywhere. And if you remember Wunderlist's free plan being a little limited, forget about that – because the commercial Wunderlist Pro went free as of April 4, 2018, so you can now use all the features for no cost at all.

No matter how well organized you are, sometimes you'll be in one place and the files or people you need will be somewhere else. And that's where TeamViewer comes in handy. Once set up, this amazingly powerful free-for-private-use tool allows you to access and use remote devices as though you were sitting in front of them.

You can hold web meetings with audio, video and text chat, a whiteboard, file sharing and more. It's possible to collaborate with up to 300 people at once, and meetings can even be recorded for reference later.

This isn't just about desktops. The latest TeamViewer enables screen sharing on iOS devices, something you won't get anywhere else, and TeamViewer's upgraded Android app now features a one-click login, and has cut data usage by up to 80%.

Whatever device you're using, the new single-window interface makes for simpler and more intuitive operations, and you can control your device, transfer files and generally do whatever you like with the minimum of hassle.

Productivity isn't just about getting more done at your desk. Ideas and inspiration can strike anywhere, which is why you need Evernote to tie them all together. Whether it's a quick to-do list or a lengthy essay, you can add it to your Evernote workspace. Grab photos, screenshots, links, the interesting bits of a web article – anything that can help with your current projects.

Any note can have a 'reminder' attached, optionally sending an email alert for important tasks. Smart search tools scour everything you've collected to find the details you need. And Notebooks can be synced across all your devices as required, enabling you to view and work on them anywhere.

You can go a long way with the free product, but Evernote also has some premium options. The Evernote Business plan includes Spaces, for instance, a way to organize your notes into separate collections, each of which can be used by individual teams, while the searchable Space Directory enables tracking what's happening right across your company. Prices start at £10.99 ($15.39) per user per month.

Trello is a smartly designed and popular service for managing, organizing and sharing everything from simple to-dos to major project management tasks.

Getting started is as easy as dragging cards onto a Trello board. Cards can represent single tasks, with priorities and deadlines attached. But they can also be more substantial checklists, with attached files and pictures, containing hyperlinks to point somewhere else.

Trello has plenty of collaboration tools to help you manage your projects, and a stack of ingenious features to ensure it's user-friendly. Just one example: the Cloud Aging power-up visibly ages cards if they've not been accessed for a while, fading them out, maybe turning them yellow and even cracking. This isn't just a visual gimmick – it allows users to instantly see underused cards on even the busiest of boards, a real timesaver.

It's the first law of the web: no matter how much time you've got online, it's never enough to explore all the interesting things you'll find. And so you open more and more browser tabs, add bookmarks you'll never find again, or maybe email yourself links for later reference.

Pocket acts as a central storage space to hold articles, videos and other content for easy viewing later. These don't have to be just links – Pocket can download content for offline consumption – and if your picks were as good as you hoped, you're able to send them to another user's Pocket, or share them directly via social media.

Saving is simpler than you might expect. Pocket isn't just a browser-based service – you can save directly from Twitter, Flipboard, Pulse and 1,500 other apps.

Pocket's free version works well, but the Premium version goes further by dropping the ads, making your content a permanent resource and delivering a stack of advanced search tools. It's yours for $44.99 (£31.14) a year.

Let's be frank: passwords are a security nightmare. Whether it's generating them, sharing them between devices, having to enter 16 cryptic characters on a tiny mobile screen, or just remembering them, the password model is now just too complicated for manual use.

That's why a good password manager is essential, and LastPass is one of the best. It can quickly generate strong and secure passwords, then save them in an encrypted vault. Your latest passwords are immediately available across all your devices, so whatever you're using, LastPass will automatically log you in with a tap.

That's just the start. LastPass can remember and use other details, too – for example automatically filling in your payment and shipping details at an online store. And neat password management functions include easy and safe sharing of passwords with others (no more need to send your credentials in an insecure text).

Apps for Android, iOS, Windows and Mac combine with a host of browser add-ons to ensure you can use LastPass on almost any device. All the basics are available for free, but the Premium plan adds multi-factor options, more versatile password sharing, 1GB of encrypted cloud storage and more for $2 (£1.43) a month, billed annually.

G Suite is a great free online productivity suite which enables the simple and speedy creation of documents (Google Docs), spreadsheets (Google Sheets), presentations (Google Slides) and more. That may sound like more functionality than you need, but don't be put off – even using just one or two Google Docs features could help to simplify your life.

Looking to work on a big idea with someone else, for instance? Instead of exchanging endless emails or signing up for some online meeting service, just create a Google Docs document, share it with your friend and edit it together in real-time, adding comments as you go.

Maybe you're looking to convert a document from one format to another? Instead of looking for yet another app, try opening it in Google Docs. The service can open PDFs, Office documents, and even extract text from images to export the results in many common formats.

Bear in mind that the files you create in Google Docs, Sheets and Slides don't use up any of your 15GB of free Google Drive storage (check the Google Drive details on your storage settings page). If you're looking to create and share lots of documents with others, G Suite could be the most cost-effective way to make that happen.

Buffer is a one-stop social media manager which enables professional users to create, schedule and track the performance of all their social media posts from one place.

Scheduling is ultra-flexible, with the ability to set up different date and posting times for each of your Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Google+ and other accounts.

Buffer doesn't force you to manage or schedule posts individually. You can create posts in your spare time, then they're added to the program's queue and Buffer automatically publishes them according to each account's schedule.

Productivity boosting extras include RSS support which enables sharing content from your chosen sites with a click.

Buffer's comprehensive analytics allow for tracking metrics including clicks, likes, shares, comments, retweets and more, helping you better understand which posts work for you, and maybe indicating how to improve your social media reach in the future.

There are many ways to set up a virtual meeting, but the process can sometimes be more awkward than you would like. Participants might have to use the same software, for instance, or all be signed up to the same service, and even then you won't always get the functionality you need.

Join.me's focus on ease of use makes it simple to get started. Anyone can host a meeting in a click or two, or join one by entering a code in their web browser, with nothing to download or install.

There's still plenty of power here. Meetings can be scheduled and recorded, audio support enables participants to call in or use their device's microphone and speakers, and it's easy to broadcast and share your screen to present ideas and collaborate with others.

Smart extras include personalized meeting links (join.me/your_company_name), plugins that enable scheduling and starting meetings direct from Office or Chrome, and iOS and Android apps which ensure you'll be able to take part from wherever you might be.

MetaCtrl's sync software enables intelligent background syncing between Android devices and some of the most popular cloud storage services around, including OneDrive, Dropbox, Google Drive and Box.

Once set up, new files on your device can be automatically uploaded to the cloud, while cloud storage files are automatically downloaded to the device. Delete a file in one place and it's deleted in the other. This works across multiple devices, too, ensuring they're always up-to-date.

This will sound familiar if you use cloud storage on the desktop, as it's how the desktop clients normally work, but the Android apps leave you to manage the process yourself. That's why installing a MetaCtrl app could make a lot of sense.

Basic syncing is available for free, but paying to upgrade enables syncing of files larger than 10MB, works with multiple pairs of folders, uses smarter change detection for faster operation and drops the ads. There are multiple plans but they're not subscription-based, and even the do-everything Ultimate option is just a one-time payment of £9.99 ($14).

]]>http://www.techradar.com/news/best-productivity-appNew VPNFilter malware targets routers and NAS boxes worldwidehttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/techradar/computing-news/~3/0mFL63P8lC0/new-vpnfilter-malware-targets-routers-and-nas-boxes-worldwide
http://www.techradar.com/news/new-vpnfilter-malware-targets-routers-and-nas-boxes-worldwideCisco Systems is warning of a new strain of malware that targets home and SMB networking devices.Thu, 24 May 2018 07:23:26 +0000techradar.comA virulent new strain of malware has infected more than half a million consumer and small-business networking devices, it has been revealed.

Dubbed 'VPNFilter', according to researcher’s at Cisco Systems' security division, Talos, the infection targets numerous routers and network-attached storage (NAS) devices from major manufacturers such as Netgear, QNAP, TP-Link and Cisco itself.

The malware is able to spy on network traffic and potentially steal website usernames and passwords, and can also be used to ‘brick' infected devices, rendering them inoperable.

Although the exact creator of the malware is as yet unknown – and if other recent attacks are an indication, it will likely remain so – after working with law enforcement as well as private- and public-sector partners, Cisco has stated that the "sophisticated modular malware system” appears to be the work of a state-sponsored or state-affiliated actor.

Target local, spread global

The malware’s creators appear to be focused on infecting devices located within Ukraine, although the virus has been discovered hiding on equipment located in 54 countries across the globe.

Certain parts of the code used in VPNFilter match that found in an earlier malware strain called BlackEnergy, which also heavily targeted Ukrainian devices and was used in several large scale attacks.

The malware is designed in such a way that it can have additional capabilities added after the initial device infection and, unlike many other viruses targeting Internet of Things gear, it could initially persist after a device had been rebooted – although, according to The Daily Beast, the FBI has reportedly managed to seize a server being used by the botnet, which has subsequently disabled VPNFilter's ability to reactivate itself after a reboot.

Cisco recommends that infected users reset their devices to factory defaults and then reboot them, which should remove the "potentially destructive, non-persistent stage 2 and stage 3 malware".

The networking company has also released the model numbers of devices known to be at risk of infection, but warns that the current list is likely incomplete, and that other devices are almost certain to be added:

]]>http://www.techradar.com/news/new-vpnfilter-malware-targets-routers-and-nas-boxes-worldwideAmerican Express: Why blockchain could save help save you from fraudhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/techradar/computing-news/~3/XIJpR08g-2A/american-express-why-blockchain-could-save-help-save-you-from-fraud
http://www.techradar.com/news/american-express-why-blockchain-could-save-help-save-you-from-fraudBlockchain can play a vital role for customers and merchants alike, American Express head saysWed, 23 May 2018 22:19:33 +0000techradar.comAmerican Express could be set to push even further into blockchain research that could revolutionise the way its users stay secure from fraud.

The card provider is investigating ways in which blockchain can be used for safeguarding user identities, as well as helping merchants securely process transactions, a senior company executive revealed.

Speaking at the Oktane18 conference in Las Vegas, Tereasa Kastel, American Express VP technology, said that the company was examining several avenues for blockchain.

"American Express is a very innovative company,” Kastel said, highlighting what she saw during a recent visit to one of the company’s R&D facilities.

"They were working on blockchain specifically for financial transactions, but we were starting to explore what would an identity wallet look like, and could blockchain be used to help serve as, both internal, but also external card members and merchants."

All about identity

Kastel’s speech came on the same day as American Express announced it would be using Hyperledger blockchain technology to create tailored to let merchants create custom Membership Rewards programs for cardholders

But she added that blockchain would play a significant role in certain upcoming American Express services.

"Being in the financial industry, we have to be somewhat conservative on what legal and regulatory requirements there are,” she said. “Out on the other hand, what I would say is that what it empowers an individual user to do in terms of controlling their identity, and have that identity be immutable, is something you can't pass by - despite what might be the regulatory controls might be at this time."

Blockchain can play a crucial role for merchants and customers alike, Kastel noted, possibly helping provide a reliable and secure chain of transaction that keeps users safe from fraud at all times.

"It resonates...when identity is done well, with the latest technologies, it removes the impediments for transacting."

"If you're in this industry, you have to have a voracious appetite for all things identity...to be able to work in a world where there is constant change you...have to always ensure you can stay ahead of the curve."

]]>http://www.techradar.com/news/american-express-why-blockchain-could-save-help-save-you-from-fraudFirst look: Acer Predator X – the world-ender of gaming PCshttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/techradar/computing-news/~3/Ts1evNttzLk/acer-predator-x
http://www.techradar.com/news/acer-predator-xThe Acer Predator X probably wasn’t made for you, but this monster gaming PC could feature up to 48 processor cores.Wed, 23 May 2018 20:53:22 +0000techradar.comWe didn’t think Acer could possibly top itself with an even more ridiculous gaming desktop than the Predator Orion 9000, but then the company went on to introduce an even more over-the-top Predator X featuring not one, but two Intel Xeon processors.

With those two enterprise-grade processors in tow, the Predator X is much more of a workstation that an ultra-high-end gaming PC. Whereas the Predator Orion 9000 employed an 18-core Intel Core i9-7980XE processor, the current highest-end Xeon chip, the E7-8890 v4, features 24 processor cores.

If Acer were to go with two of these chips we could potentially see the Predator X powered by up to 48 processor cores – although this seems like a long shot, simply because of the sheer amount of heat this configuration would generate.

Going with a Xeon platform also implies that this rig will support ECC memory and Quadro graphics. The floor sample we saw at Acer’s global press conference also came equipped with two Nvidia graphics cards working together in SLI.

Looks to kill and intense cooling

In terms of design, the Acer Predator X remains unchanged from the Predator Orion 9000. From the side, the gaming desktop still looks like a monolith, or the Tyrell building from Blade Runner.

Likewise, Acer has employed its patented IceTunnel 2.0 airflow management system again. The system will be loaded up with up to five intake fans to create a positive-pressure air channel, which is to say all the cool air being sucked is also used to push heat through every crevice.

Acer has yet to announce pricing, availability or potential configurations for the Predator X, but it’s an almost forgone conclusion that it will cost a fortune.

]]>http://www.techradar.com/news/acer-predator-xFirst look: Acer Swift 5 – the lightest 15-inch laptop we’ve ever heldhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/techradar/computing-news/~3/VuMoXxjJ2H8/first-look-acer-swift-5-the-lightest-15-inch-laptop-weve-ever-held
http://www.techradar.com/news/first-look-acer-swift-5-the-lightest-15-inch-laptop-weve-ever-heldAcer’s new Swift 5 puts a laser focus on portability and light weight without sacrificing power.Wed, 23 May 2018 20:22:31 +0000techradar.comAcer surprised everyone during its annual keynote event in New York City when it unveiled the brand new Acer Swift 5, a whole new take on its flagship 15-inch laptop. This version puts a laser focus on portability and light weight without sacrificing power.

The result is a 15.6-inch laptop within a 14-inch frame that weighs just 2.2 pounds (1kg) and features the latest – though unspecified – Intel Core processors.

Acer has equipped the laptop with a Full HD (1080p) touch display that bends back 180 degrees, touting an impressive 87.6% screen-to-body ratio. The screen will also adjust gamma and color saturation in real time through Acer’s Color Intelligence technology.

Within the tiny frame rests up to 1TB of solid-state storage paired with up to 16GB of DDR4 memory, as well as a USB-C 3.1 port, two USB 3.1 ports, an HDMI port and an SD card reader. That’s quite a lot for a 15-inch laptop weighing about as much as a 13-inch device.

The company wasn’t prepared with a working model for the event, but had allowed us to get our hands on a design prototype that we’re told was weighted to match the final weight of the product when it launches later this year – that is, at an undisclosed time for an undisclosed price.

A luxury laptop that feels mainstream

Holding the Swift 5 reminds us of the LG gram 15 quite a bit, with Acer’s laptop weighing just two tenths of a pound less than LG’s. This is thanks to an all-new compound material used to comprise the laptop’s base and lid.

It’s called magnesium-lithium alloy, an apparently ultra-light metal compound, supported by a magnesium-aluminum alloy for extra sturdiness around the palm rest.

This is undoubtedly an impressive achievement in material design, but the end result is a product that simply doesn’t feel as luxe as, say, a straight aluminum laptop. That likely has to do more with our own preconceptions than any truth in one material being less-so than the other.

Ultimately, the Acer Swift 5 comes with serious looks and the promise of uncompromised power and all-day battery life. While we weren’t able to glean much from our time with the laptop, one thing is for certain: it’s going to be that much tougher lugging any other old 15-inch laptop around.

]]>http://www.techradar.com/news/first-look-acer-swift-5-the-lightest-15-inch-laptop-weve-ever-heldAcer updates its Swift 5 lineup with 15-inch versionhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/techradar/computing-news/~3/TGBxY5emvJE/acer-updates-its-swift-5-lineup-with-15-inch-version
http://www.techradar.com/news/acer-updates-its-swift-5-lineup-with-15-inch-versionThe new addition features the latest Intel processors and a sleek metallic designWed, 23 May 2018 19:52:23 +0000techradar.comAcer has updated their Swift 5 lineup of notebooks with the unveiling a 15" version during its 'Next@Acer' keynote event held in New York City.

The laptop still weighs in at under 1kg (2.2lb), and features some sturdy construction from magnesium and aluminium alloys.

The Full-HD IPS touchscreen has an impressive 5.87mm (0.23 inches) bezel, giving it a 87.6% screen-to-body ratio. It also features Acer's Color Intelligence technology, which dynamically adjusts gamma and saturation in real-time.

Under the hood you've got support for up to 1TB of SSD storage and 16GB of DDR 4 RAM, along with the latest Intel processors. There's also a USB 3.1 Type-C port, two USB 3.1 Type-A ports, HDMI, and SD card reader.

There's also a fingerprint reader to quickly log in using Windows Hello.

]]>http://www.techradar.com/news/acer-updates-its-swift-5-lineup-with-15-inch-versionAcer announces Nitro VG0 and RG0 gaming monitorshttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/techradar/computing-news/~3/J_Agjit1F3Q/acer-announces-nitro-vg0-and-rg0-gaming-monitors
http://www.techradar.com/news/acer-announces-nitro-vg0-and-rg0-gaming-monitorsAcer has unveiled two new lines of gaming monitors with AMD FreeSync technologyWed, 23 May 2018 16:07:27 +0000techradar.comAt Acer’s global event it announced a range of new IPS monitors with AMD FreeSync technology and response times as fast as 1ms, which offers incredibly smooth gaming performance.

First up there is the Acer Nitro VG0 series, which will be available in 27-inch, 23.8-inch and 21.5-inch sizes, and will support 4K UHD (3,840 x 2,160 pixels), WQHD (2,560 × 1,440) and full HD (1,920 x 1,080) resolutions, respectively.

They come with 144 Hz refresh rates, and numerous features we’ve come to expect from Acer’s monitors, such as pre-set configurations for various types of games. They will also have 2W stereo speakers, HDMI, VGA and DisplayPort connectivity.

The Acer Nitro VG0 gaming monitors will be available in the UK from July, with prices starting from £109 (around $145, AU$200). We are waiting to hear about exact US and Australian prices and release dates.

Acer Nitro RG0 gaming monitors

Meanwhile, the Acer Nitro RG0 comes in 27-inch and 23.8-inches and has an incredibly thin 0.27-inch profile.

These monitors come with a 1,920 x 1,080 resolution and 75Hz frame rate, as well as many of the features the Nitro VG0 series boasts.

The Acer Nitro RG0 gaming monitors will be available in the UK from July, with prices starting from £139 (around $180, AU$245), and again we’re waiting to hear about official US and Australian prices.

Taking a page out of the Acer Predator Triton 700’s design, Acer’s new 15-inch gaming laptop features a stylish obsidian black chassis accented by blue lighting and trim.

The Predator Helios 500 gaming notebooks will be available in the UK in July, with prices starting from £1,799 (about $2,400, AU$3,190).

Acer Predator Helios 300

Acer also announced a new special edition of its popular and affordable gaming laptop, the Predator Helios 300.

The new version sports a new white with gold trim color, plus the screen has been upgraded to an Full HD 144Hz panel for high-frame rate gamplay experiences. Internally, Acer has equipped the Helios 300 with the latest Coffee Lake Intel Core i7 processor, overclockable GeForce GTX 1060 graphics. Configurations can be upgraded with up to a 512 GB PCIe Gen 3 NVMe solid state drive and a 2 TB hard disk drive.

Acer has yet to announce pricing and availability for the special edition version of the Predator Helios 300.

]]>http://www.techradar.com/news/the-acer-predator-helios-500-is-a-15-inch-intel-core-i9-gaming-laptopAcer Chromebook Spin 15 is the world's first 15-inch, 2-in-1 Chrome OS laptophttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/techradar/computing-news/~3/oSJRqQEInUs/acer-chromebook-spin-15-is-the-worlds-first-2-in-1-with-a-15-inch-screen
http://www.techradar.com/news/acer-chromebook-spin-15-is-the-worlds-first-2-in-1-with-a-15-inch-screenAcer has beat the world to the first 2-in-1, 15-inch Chromebook for an excellent price.Wed, 23 May 2018 15:36:56 +0000techradar.comAcer has revealed the world's first 15-inch, 2-in-1 Chromebook, the aptly named Chromebook Spin 15, for 2018 during its 'Next@Acer' keynote event held in New York City.

The laptop brings size to Acer's 2-in-1 Chromebook line as well as claims of immense battery life to the tune of up to 13 hours. Furthermore, it appears that Acer has accounted for convertibility in every aspect of the laptop's design.

For one, the device touts top-firing speakers, and the 15.6-inch Full HD (1,920 x 1,080) IPS touch display is behind Corning Gorilla Glass. Of course, the Chromebook supports the Android Google Play Store like all touch-based Chrome OS devices.

Plus, this is an awfully light 15-inch laptop at just 4.63 pounds or 2.1kg, so it embodies the tablet experience and portability that users crave from 2-in-1 laptops.

As expected, Acer Chromebook Spin 15 is powered by your choice between three Intel processors, from two dual-core Celeron chips to a quad-core Pentium CPU. That's supported by 4GB to 8GB of memory and 32GB to 64GB of eMMC storage.

Of course, that 15-inch frame leaves room for a glut of connectivity options, including USB-C and a microSD card reader. The Acer Chromebook 15 starts at $449 or £499 when it lands in stores and online this July.

On stage, Acer also teased a 13-inch version of the device, the first-ever Chromebook with Intel's 8th generation processors inside, aimed for business use. However, Acer has yet to reveal pricing and availability.

A Chromebook 15 for the rest of us

Acer has also refreshed its Chromebook 15 model with new hardware inside for a much better price. This new version brings forth the same Full HD display (with your choice of touch control) and a claim of up to 14 hours of battery life on a single charge.

This straight-up laptop version also brings forth access to the Google Play store and is powered by your choice of the very same processor, memory and storage options as the 2-in-1 version. Not to mention that it too includes USB-C connectivity.

Just like the business-focused, 13-inch version of the Chromebook Spin 15, the standard Chromebook 15 has a 13-inch-inch counterpart as well, though pricing and availability details are not yet available.

The Acer Chromebook 15 for 2018 starts at $349 or £399 when it lands in stores and online later this month.